Black Peppercorn is native to India, where the seeds of this flowering vine have been used as a seasoning for thousands of years. Today it is the worlds most commonly traded and used spiced, pairing with salt on dinner tables across the US, Europe and elsewhere. Piper nigrum can also be used to produce white pepper by removing the dark outer seed coat, or green pepper by harvesting and drying immature seeds.

Perennial (zones 10-11)

30 days at 75-85° F

2 years

Moist, rich, well-drained

Partial shade

Seed

12-15' apart

1+ years

Growing GuideGROWING NOTES
Piper nigrum is a climbing vine native to tropical regions of India. It can grow to over 12' tall, and will show white or cream-colored blooms from midsummer on.

Peppercorn is not tolerant of cold or dry condition, and should be kept well-watered if grown outdoors in zones 10-11. It will not tolerate cooler temperatures below 60 degrees F. Seeds require lots of moisture and very warm soil (75-85° F).

For best results, soak seeds for a day or so to promote germination and soften seed coat. Seeds should be sown lightly beneath the surface of the soil-medium, approximately ⅛". Keep soil warm and well-moistened while awaiting germination.

If grown in zones lower than 10, Peppercorn can be grown in a container and carefully overwintered indoors or when temperatures drop below 60 degrees F.

MAINTAINING

Peppercorn will do better with partial shade or filtered sunlight. For best results, plant in a location that is humid and moist. Keep well-watered.

As a climbing vine, Piper nigrum will require a trellis, fence or similar structure for support. When growing in cooler zones, plan carefully so support can accompany plant indoors when necessary.

Harvesting GuideHARVESTING
Black, white, green, and red peppercorns can all be harvested from Piper nigrum. The fruit will take on slightly difference characteristic depending on when it is collected. For black peppercorns, the fruits can be collected at the earlier stages of ripeness. Fruits collected after this stage at full ripeness will become white after drying.

After collection, fruits can be placed on a screen and dried in the sun for several days, turning over periodically.

SAVING SEEDS
'White' peppercorns (fruit collected at full ripeness that has started to dry out on the plant) can be collected for seeds. After drying, store in a sealed container in a dry, cool location out of direct sunlight for optimum life.